"Honestly, I could not miss this opportunity" – Daily News

EL SEGUNDO – After 18 years in the NBA, Tyson Chandler can read the writings on the wall.

A reconstruction team in Phoenix did not need much of a 36-year-old former All-Star who still believes he can contribute to a playoff qualifier, especially when he owes him more than 13.6 million dollars of salary this season. He thought his time with the Suns was almost exhausted.

But a chance to sign with the Lakers from his hometown? And to play with LeBron James? Even he is not so good at predicting the future.

"I thought that if things were not going well, it would be my last year in Phoenix, you know, especially the last year of my contract," he said. "But when things happened and I watched the teams, I honestly could not miss that opportunity and be part of something that, in my opinion, was going to be great."

Tyson Chandler, who is part of a Lakers team with higher expectations than Phoenix: "My adrenaline is just running through a shoot because you see guys and you're feeling the buzz." pic.twitter.com/kQrS7fKPcM

– Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) November 7, 2018

The 7-foot-1 center had its first working morning on Wednesday, getting used to life with the Lakers. It was just a shoot-off, which meant light work for most of the team, but coach Luke Walton made some extra offensive runs with Chandler, preparing him to play his first minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves later in the night. He spent a few minutes after training to talk enthusiastically to the team's president, Magic Johnson.

After three seasons of less than 30 wins with the Suns, Chandler seemed rejuvenated to join a team that hopes to make the postseason this year.

"My adrenaline just goes through, because you see guys and you feel the buzz," he said. "And I know what I can bring to the team. And as I said to Magic, I can not wait to get this first game, so I can start building. "

Chandler is expected to play in the role of backup center behind starter JaVale McGee, who, he said, has been doing well this season. The Lakers had so far bridged the gap with Ivica Zubac and double in the match, Johnathan Williams, but had decided to call on Chandler to consolidate the rebound and defense mistakes of the team.

For Chandler's first game, Walton said there was "no waiting," but the Lakers would like him to boost the team's performance on the glass, protect the rim and make it another play center to attack in McGee's mold.

There is also a respect for his presence of veteran, who has developed during a career spent in several locker rooms and with different stars. Chandler has perhaps the most in common with James, having already won a championship, while enjoying an experience with the US team and a star-like appearance .

James said that he admired Chandler since they were both high school stars, when Chandler was playing at Dominguez High in Compton.

"We have a lot of experience and we have all lived," said James. "We lost in the playoffs, we won everything. We have seen everything from adversity, good times to bad times. "

Chandler has been lightly used this season with the Suns, playing behind No. 1 draft pick DeAndre Ayton. The Lakers hope his relocation will help him rejuvenate his game. Last season he averaged 6.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Chandler also expressed his enthusiasm that he would be more likely to bond with his new team. Initially, he hoped to be bought back earlier in February or March.

In his career, he has gone so far for a reason, Walton said.

"He has the game and obviously he has the size and athleticism to succeed in this league," he said. "But to last that long, you really need to know what you're doing. It's probably his greatest strength in separating him from other big players, sportsmen and active players … how he thinks the game. "

Tyson Chandler talks about joining the Lakers, playing alongside LeBron and being surprised at the very early purchase of the season. pic.twitter.com/UCKdaqcWoc

– Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) November 7, 2018

JAMES SEE THE BEFORE SELECTING THE TELEVISU ALL-STAR TEAM

The NBA might have found a winning formula for the last game of the stars after many years of experiments aimed at finding the right balance for the teams. The idea was simple: a selection of type playground where the captains chose their teams.

There was only one problem: no one could see the picking process.

One of the men who knew about the selections, LeBron James, spoke Wednesday of a New York Times report that the NBA would move to broadcast next year's process. Last year in the East, James was one of the major vote winners, and separated the 24 All-Stars squad with Steph Curry, of Golden State, which he described as "great moment".

James hinted that he might not be one of the captains this year, even though it would be amazing to see someone else at the top of the rankings who will get the most votes. But he also said he figured out how much to choose on TV could be fun, dispelling the concern that All-Stars players could be sore on their ego by being chosen later than they thought it would be. .

"What's wrong? It's the weekend of the stars, "said James. "You have 24 of the best players in the world who will make the team. It does not matter whether you are first or last, you are 24 of the best in the world at that time. I do not think it's going to be bad. We will see."